therapeutic

[ther-uh-pyoo-tik]

adjective

1. of or relating to the treating or curing of disease; curative.

noun

1. a therapeutic substance.

therapeutic

/ ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the treatment of disease; curative

2. serving or performed to maintain health

   therapeutic abortion

Other Word Forms

• therapeutically adverb
• nontherapeutic adjective
• nontherapeutical adjective
• nontherapeutically adverb
• untherapeutic adjective
• untherapeutical adjective
• untherapeutically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of therapeutic¹

1535–45; < New Latin therapeuticus < Greek therapeutikós, equivalent to therapeú ( ein ) to attend, treat medically (akin to therápōn attendant) + -tikos -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of therapeutic¹

C17: from New Latin therapeuticus, from Greek therapeutikos, from therapeuein to minister to, from theraps an attendant

Example Sentences

“The ability to manipulate these cells so that they can become powerful, specific therapeutics is really the promise of the field,” Bluestone said.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The majority of people taking these drugs will likely do so episodically, rather than for therapeutic use.

Read more on Barron's

"I like making things, it makes me feel good, creativity is therapeutic, it makes me calmer and relaxed."

Read more on BBC

It has been a tense 24 hours at the City Ground and Postecoglou's press conference felt somewhat therapeutic.

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It is the best massage for what I’m looking for, which is something very strong and therapeutic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beneficial 
• curative 
• remedial 
• salutary